Things To Do
in Huwei

Huwei is a small agricultural town in Yunlin County in central-western Taiwan known for its sugar-industry heritage and relaxed rural atmosphere. The town mixes preserved industrial sites, traditional temples and low-rise streets lined with local markets and eateries. It’s a good base for exploring nearby coastal wetlands, Bagua Mountain viewpoints and tea-growing hills to the south.

Visitors come for authentic local food, easy cycling routes and a slower pace compared with Taiwan’s larger cities.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the Huwei Historic Center, where you can admire the architecture that reflects Taiwan's rich cultural heritage. Stroll through the quaint streets and stop by the local market to sample fresh fruits and traditional snacks. Enjoy a cup of locally brewed coffee at a charming café, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.

afternoon
:

After lunch at a traditional Taiwanese restaurant, head to the nearby Huwei Sugar Factory, where you can learn about the history of sugar production in Taiwan. Take a guided tour of the factory and enjoy the beautiful gardens that surround the site. Don’t forget to try some of the unique sugar-themed desserts available at the café.

evening
:

As the sun sets, visit the Huwei Night Market, where you can explore a variety of food stalls offering local delicacies. Engage with the locals and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere filled with laughter and conversation. End your evening by trying your hand at some fun carnival games while enjoying a refreshing bubble tea.

day 2
Cultural Insights at Local Temples
morning
:

Begin your day with a visit to the Tzu Chi Temple, where you can experience the serene ambiance and observe the morning rituals. Engage with the local community as they participate in prayer and meditation sessions. Take the time to appreciate the intricate carvings and beautiful artwork that adorn the temple.

afternoon
:

After lunch, explore the nearby Matsu Temple, dedicated to the sea goddess, and learn about its significance in local folklore. Participate in a guided tour that explains the unique customs and traditions associated with the temple. Capture stunning photographs of the ornate architecture and the surrounding landscape.

evening
:

As dusk approaches, return to the Tzu Chi Temple for a peaceful evening meditation session. Join the locals in their practice, gaining a deeper understanding of their spiritual beliefs. Conclude your day with a quiet reflection in the temple gardens, surrounded by the soothing sounds of nature.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant$3-6
Coffee (local cafe)$2-4
🚕Short taxi ride (within town)$3-8
🏨Mid-range hotel (per night)$40-80
🍺Domestic beer at bar$2-4

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Authentic rural Taiwanese atmosphere with local food and markets
  • Good base for nearby natural sites (wetlands, tea terraces, Bagua Mountain)
  • Affordable prices and easy day-trip access to larger cities
  • Friendly locals and a relaxed pace
  • Limited nightlife and entertainment options within the town
  • Hot, humid summers and potential disruption from typhoons
  • Fewer English services—some language barrier for non-Mandarin speakers
  • Public transit options are sparser than in major cities; best with a bike or car
  • "你好 (Nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
  • "謝謝 (Xièxiè)" - Thank you
  • "不好意思 (Bù hǎo yìsi)" - Excuse me / Sorry
  • "多少錢? (Duōshǎo qián?)" - How much?
  • "廁所在哪裡? (Cèsuǒ zài nǎlǐ?)" - Where is the restroom?

Places to Visit in Huwei

Visit one of these nice places.

Huwei Sugar Factory

Rustic industrial buildings, old sugar-cane trains and wide courtyards make great subjects for morning or late-afternoon light.

Xiluo Bridge (nearby)

Historic long bridge over the Zhuoshui River—especially photogenic at sunrise and sunset with river reflections and fishing boats.

Baguashan (Bagua Mountain) Buddha

Large Buddha statue and temple complex with panoramic views over the plains—good for wide-angle landscape shots and aerial perspectives.

Fangyuan Coastal Wetlands

Coastal mudflats, boardwalks and birdlife offer seasonal wildlife photography opportunities, with dramatic skies at dusk.

Gukeng Tea Terraces

Sweeping tea rows and misty mornings—ideal for atmospheric landscapes and cultural portraits during harvest season.

Culinary Guide

Food in Huwei

Huwei’s cuisine is typical of Taiwan’s rural west coast: rice- and vegetable-forward, with plenty of pork dishes, fresh produce from nearby farms, simple noodle soups and sweet snacks. Expect home-style cooking, seasonal fruit stands and night-market staples. Local specialty stalls and small eateries are where you’ll find the most authentic flavors.

Huwei Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Braised Pork Rice (滷肉飯 / Lǔ ròu fàn)

A staple across Taiwan—minced braised pork over steamed rice; find excellent versions in small local diners and lunch shops.

Must-Try!

Sugar Factory Snacks (製糖廠點心)

Around the old Huwei Sugar Factory you’ll find traditional Taiwanese desserts and snacks made with local sugar—try caramelized treats and sweets sold during market events.

Fresh Seasonal Fruits

Yunlin County is agricultural—look for mangoes (seasonal), pomelos, pineapple and sweet guava at roadside stands and markets.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Huwei Night Market / Food Street

A compact local market with fried snacks, stinky tofu, grilled skewers and Taiwanese desserts. Best for sampling several local small plates in one evening.

Roadside Fruit Stalls

Scattered around Huwei and nearby rural roads—great for seasonal fruit, freshly pressed juices and simple snacks.

Climate Guide

Weather

Huwei has a subtropical climate: hot, humid summers with frequent rain and occasional typhoons (June–September), mild and drier autumns, cool but not freezing winters and warm, sometimes rainy springs. Average temperatures range from about 15–20°C (59–68°F) in winter to 28–34°C (82–93°F) in summer.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Temple Respect

Dress modestly and behave quietly at temples. Remove hats when entering inner halls, avoid pointing at religious images and follow any photography restrictions.

Shoes Off

Remove shoes when entering private homes and sometimes small traditional guesthouses—follow the host’s lead.

Politeness & Queueing

Taiwanese social interactions emphasize politeness—greet with a smile, avoid loud public arguments and queue patiently for services.

Gift-Giving & Business Cards

If presenting gifts, avoid overly expensive items in casual contexts; present and receive with both hands for formal exchanges, and accept business cards respectfully.

Safety Guide

Safety

Huwei is generally safe with low rates of violent crime. The main risks are traffic-related—especially scooters and narrow rural roads—plus heat, strong sun and occasional typhoons. Take normal precautions: watch for scooters when crossing streets, avoid driving in extreme weather, secure belongings, and keep up with local weather alerts during typhoon season. For emergencies dial 119 for fire/ambulance and 110 for police.

Tipping in Huwei

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is not customary in Taiwan; good service is included in prices. You can round up fares or leave a small tip at high-end restaurants or for tour guides, but it’s not expected.

Payment Methods

Cash (New Taiwan Dollar) is widely used in Huwei—many small vendors are cash-only. Credit cards are accepted at larger restaurants and hotels. Contactless IC cards (EasyCard, iPASS) and mobile payments are common in urban areas but may be less accepted in very small shops, so carry some cash.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures and blooming roadside flowers make spring pleasant for cycling and temple visits; pollen and occasional showers are possible.

Summer

Hot, humid and frequently rainy—afternoons can bring heavy thunderstorms and the typhoon season (July–September) can disrupt travel; carry sun protection and plan indoor alternatives.

Autumn

Comfortable temperatures with less rain—often the best time to visit for outdoor activities, photography and harvest-time local produce.

Winter

Mild and relatively cool compared with Taiwan’s mountains; rarely freezing but evenings can be chilly—great for exploring without summer humidity.

Nightlife Guide

Huwei at Night

Huwei itself is a quiet town after dark with small eateries and a compact night market as the main social hubs. For bars, live music and a wider late-night scene, travelers typically go to Douliu, Taichung or Tainan within 30–90 minutes by car. Evenings in Huwei are best for relaxed food-focused experiences and evening temple visits rather than clubbing.

Hiking in Huwei

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Baguashan (Bagua Mountain)

Short hikes and paved paths around a large temple complex with a giant Buddha—offers panoramic views over the plains and easy trails suitable for most visitors.

Gukeng Tea Terraces

Gentle walking routes through tea plantations—photo-friendly in misty mornings and ideal for learning about tea cultivation.

Alishan National Scenic Area (day trip)

A longer drive (around 1.5–2 hours) takes you to mountainous trails, towering cypress forests and well-known sunrise viewpoints—best as a dedicated day trip or overnight stay.

Fangyuan Coastal Boardwalks

Flat trails and boardwalks along coastal wetlands—great for easy walks, birdwatching and sunset photography.

Airports

How to reach Huwei by plane.

Taichung International Airport (RMQ)

About 1–1.5 hours by car from Huwei depending on traffic—useful for regional flights and convenient if combining Huwei with Taichung.

Chiayi Airport / Chiayi (CYI)

Roughly 1–1.5 hours south by car; gateway for access to Alishan and southern Yunlin/Chiayi regions.

Tainan Airport (TNN)

Approximately 1.5–2 hours away by car—an option for southern arrivals and departures.

Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)

Main international gateway for Taiwan, about 2–3 hours by car or train—useful for international travelers connecting to Huwei.

Getting Around

Walkability

Central Huwei is reasonably walkable—downtown areas, markets and nearby attractions are compact and easy to explore on foot. For rural sights, coastal wetlands or Bagua Mountain you’ll need a bicycle, scooter or car; distances between points of interest can be too long for comfortable walking.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Hoklo (Taiwanese) Han Chinese

The largest demographic group in Yunlin County, speaking Taiwanese Hokkien along with Mandarin; they form the cultural majority in Huwei.

Hakka

Smaller Hakka communities are present in parts of Yunlin; they contribute distinct dialects, festivals and foods.

Elderly & Farming Communities

Yunlin has an aging population in many rural townships, with many residents involved in agriculture and local small businesses.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Baseball

Taiwan’s most popular sport—local youth leagues and school teams are common, and people follow professional teams fervently.

Basketball

Popular in towns and cities alike; street courts and school facilities host pickup games frequently.

Cycling

Recreational cycling is very popular—Huwei’s flat roads and scenic rural routes attract cyclists of all levels.

Dragon Boat (seasonal)

Dragon boat racing is a cultural sport observed during the Dragon Boat Festival with local teams and community events in river towns.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Huwei is generally lighter than in major cities, but main roads can become congested during commute times or festival days. Scooters are ubiquitous—expect mixed traffic and use caution at intersections. Intercity travel relies on regional buses, TRA trains (nearby stations), and private car or taxi; there is no high-speed rail station in the town itself, so allow extra time when transferring from THSR stations.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Huwei.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are available but limited in small town eateries. Look for temples’ vegetarian restaurants (often open on special days), noodle shops serving vegetarian broth, or ask for vegetable-only versions of braised dishes. Bring translations of dietary needs in Chinese for clearer communication.

Allergies & Gluten-Free

Many Taiwanese dishes include soy, wheat (soy sauce), peanuts and shellfish. If you have allergies, carry a written note in Chinese explaining what you must avoid and double-check with vendors. Pack snacks if you have strict dietary needs.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic clinics and small hospitals serve Huwei for routine care; for major emergencies or specialized treatment, the larger hospitals in Douliu, Chiayi or Taichung are typically used. Taiwan’s emergency services are reliable—dial 119 for urgent help. International travelers should ensure they have travel insurance; Taiwan’s National Health Insurance covers residents, not most short-term visitors.

Discover Taiwan

Read more in our Taiwan 2025 Travel Guide.

Taiwan Travel Guide